how does running water contributes most to the general wearing of earth's surface?
Running water is one of the most significant natural forces that contribute to the erosion and wearing of the Earth's surface. It plays a major role in shaping the landscape by wearing down rocks, carving out valleys, and forming various landforms such as canyons, gorges, and riverbeds.
To understand how running water contributes to the general wearing of the Earth's surface, we need to consider the process of erosion caused by water:
1. Hydraulic Action: When flowing water moves into cracks and crevices in rocks, it puts pressure on them, causing them to break apart. Over time, repeated action of water erodes and widens these cracks, leading to the fragmentation and wearing down of the rock surface.
2. Abrasion: As running water flows downstream, it carries along sediment, including sand, pebbles, and boulders. These sediments act as natural abrasives. When they come in contact with the surface of rocks, they act like sandpaper, wearing away the surface layer. This process of abrasion helps smoothen surfaces and creates distinct landforms.
3. Solution: Water may dissolve certain types of rocks, such as limestone or other soluble minerals, through a process called solution. Dissolved minerals weaken rock structures, making them more vulnerable to erosion. This is particularly notable in areas with caves and sinkholes, where the dissolving action of water contributes to the wearing down of the Earth's surface.
4. Transport: Running water has the capability to transport eroded materials, including loose soil, sediment, and rocks, downstream. The force of the flowing water allows it to carry these materials along with it, leading to the removal of particles from one place and their deposition elsewhere. This transport action enables the redistribution of sediments and contributes to the sculpting of the landscape.
5. Deposition: Eventually, when the velocity of the water decreases, it loses its transporting capability and begins to deposit the sediments it carries. This deposition can occur in various locations, such as riverbanks, deltas, and floodplains. As sediment accumulates in these areas, it can reshape the Earth's surface and contribute to the creation of new landforms.
Overall, the constant motion and power of running water result in the gradual wearing down of the Earth's surface, shaping it over time and creating diverse landforms. By understanding the processes of erosion and sediment transport caused by running water, we can appreciate how it contributes to the general wearing of the Earth's surface.